In 794 CE the Japanese imperial family moved the capital to Heian-kyo (“Capital of Peace and Tranquility”). The Heian period takes its name from the new capital city, known today as Kyoto. The imperial court enjoyed a period of relative peace and stability lasting nearly 400 years, until 1185, when a powerful clan, the Genji, established a new regime controlled by warrior chieftans (shoguns) with its capital at Kamakura. In the Heian period, Buddhism was practiced throughout Japan, and the Pure Land sect gained popularity. Temple architecture, joined-wood sculpture, and a distinctly Japanese painting style, yamato-e, flourished. Web resources here and here.

Phoenix Hall, Byodo-in Temple, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Heian Period. Ca. 1053.